Blues match $7.5 million offer sheet tendered by Vancouver

ST. LOUIS – St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today that the Blues have matched the Vancouver Canucks offer sheet for Group II forward David Backes.

“Dave Checketts (Chairman and Principle Owner) was very supportive of this decision to sign David,” said Davidson. “David is a major part of our youth movement in St. Louis and we expect him to play a huge role as we move forward.”

Backes’ offer includes a $1 million signing bonus along with $1.5 million in 2008-09, $2.5 million in 2009-10 and $2.5 million 2010-11.

Backes, 24, recorded career highs in all offensive categories, goals (13) assists (18) and points (31) this past season. He registered a career high while ranking second on the team with 99 penalty minutes and ranked first on the team with 240 hits. In addition, the 6-3, 216-pound center posted a career-high five-game point/assist streak from Jan. 11-Jan. 21, tallying five assists over the span.

The Minneapolis, Minnesota native was originally the Blues’ second round selection, 62nd overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.